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WINNIPEG – For the first time in over a decade, hundreds of workers from Manitoba’s Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) marched around Winnipeg this afternoon.

The group was celebrating milestones of unions in North American society and highlighting the challenges workers still face.

The march started at the Manitoba Legislature and ended at Vimy Ridge Park for the annual Labour Day family picnic.

“Unions have done such a great job in lifting people out of poverty, getting women’s rights on the table and workplace safety and health rights,” said Dave Sauer, president of the Winnipeg Labour Council. “It’s important that we acknowledge out contributions to society and celebrate our existence.”

The Labour Day picnic featured hot dogs, face painting and play places for kids all afternoon.

“It’s absolutely essential to keep people aware that these are not things that are ours by right,” said Stacey Jackson, a union rights supporter. “They are things that we need to continue to work for, to struggle for and to fight for.”